Freezer Power Outage (2279)

Without power, a full upright or chest freezer will keep everything frozen for about 2 days. A half-full freezer will keep food frozen 1 day.

If power will be coming back on fairly soon, you can make the food last longer by keeping the door shut as much as possible.

If power will be off for an extended period, take food to friends' freezers, locate a commercial freezer, or use dry ice.  When using dry ice, place cardboard on top of the food, then put on the dry ice. Check your phone book for places selling dry ice.

Handle dry ice with gloves. Work in a well-ventilated room, as carbon dioxide gas can accumulate and cause loss of consciousness and asphyxiation. Don't breathe the fumes. Follow handling instructions carefully.

How can you tell if food is safe to eat after the power is out? Food still containing ice crystals or that feels refrigerator cold can be refrozen. You will lose some flavor and quality, but the food will be safe to eat.

Discard any thawed food that has risen to room temperature and remained there 2 hours or more. Immediately discard anything with a strange color or odor. You may safely refreeze bread products without custard fillings.

For more information on this subject, Please visit the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Web site.

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